Summer Laughter

It's here! The much anticipated, thoroughly enjoyable summertime! 

In New England, where we live, it seems that there are only two seasons in the course of a year: Winter and Summer. As time goes on, the winters just seem to be getting colder and longer. (It must have something to do with the thinning of the blood or old age.)

Every summer our family takes a trip to Ohio and visits family, friends and our favorite amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio. I have visited Cedar Point annually for the last 40 years and it never disappoints. There is something fun for every person to do in any age and stage of life! 

Weary and fresh from the long school year, our planned trip to the amusement park was just what we needed to unwind and have fun. Some of the biggest thrill rides and roller coasters in the United States are at Cedar Point, and our kids are finally tall enough and brave enough to ride them!

It's no secret that as kids get older they have more and more schedules and life stresses put on them. I found myself pondering why, as parents, did we not intentionally place teaching the kids to laugh often and have fun as one of those life skills and habits we all should have. As a parent, I yearn to hear my children laugh, have fun, be happy and just be a kid. Why does it take a great deal of "unwinding" to let go and just laugh?

No matter what the season in life, may each of us learn to laugh again. May our hearts be taken to that special place of our youth that lets us be unhindered and happy. May we seek the Lord for His strength and joy, even in times of great stress and pressure.

Ecclesiastes 3:11-13

Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.

God is in Control

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Why do I measure things by time when God is timeless?  

       Lately my heart is perplexed by questions I just don't have answers to.  It is amazing for me to experience the peace the Lord gives me on a daily basis in the midst of such an unsettled time in my heart.  

   

       Experiencing peace in my heart is not something that I can attain very easily. I'm constantly reminded daily of all the reasons I should be apprehensive and unsettled. My hope and faith are firmly rooted in my Savior, Jesus Christ, and I believe with all my heart that what He says and does in the scriptures is true. 

       Most days I remind myself to read and focus on His words help my heart be at peace. Jesus always did what He said He said He would do. He is always with us and works all things to bring glory to Himself. Having a deeply rooted faith in Him makes all things that are unknown that are on the horizon be ok. 

Click here to be taken to an awesome page that lists 60 different references in the bible to God being in control! 

Give Without Sparing

There is one who covets greedily all day long, but the righteous gives and keeps on giving.

Proverbs 21:26 

Have you ever worked with a person that had to be told to do a complete task and not half of a task? I'm sure many people can identify with working with someone who does the bare minimum. It is such a pain when a co worker always empties the coffeepot and baked goods and never offers to start a new pot or contribute to the kitchen. As a Christian, how do you handle this? Do you say something at the right time and place or do you continue to repeatedly give fully knowing your generosity is unlikely to be reciprocated. 

Sometimes our family members can be guilty of sapping the life out of us too. Good relationships are a two way street . Give and take with a equal balance is delightful...but it rarely works that way. In different seasons of our lives our amount of giving and receiving probably fluctuate a lot. 

Where us your heart today? As the season of "giving" approaches, are you fixated on what you'll get or are you pondering the perfect gift for each person on your list? 

In your relationships, are you sapping the life out of your family members unintentionally or are you a willing contributor to healthy relationships with your loved ones? 

The bible is very clear about how we, as Christians should live. The verse above says as Christians, we should give without any regard of the possibility of receiving. It can be exhausting, however the message of Jesus will shine through you like nothing on this earth could ever do. 

There was a time in my life when my plate was very full. My husband had a serious and potentially life threatening illness and was in the ICU in the hospital. At the time we had two children under the age of five and we lived 700 miles from family. My loving sister left her busy family and came the long distance to my rescue! She stayed a long time while I sat at my husband's bedside and prayed for his healing. Dozens of friends prepared meals and helped our family. Clearly, they were serving the Lord without any thoughts of receiving anything in return. 

My husband thankfully made a complete recovery and over the next several months, our lives slowly returned to normal. So many people left a mark on our hearts with their selfless giving. Both my husband and I consider that trying time in our lives as a defining moment in our walk with the Lord. We chose Jesus and to walk with Him daily in our lives! 

Prayer:

Lord, open our eyes and our hearts to selflessly give of ourselves to those around us daily. Help us be intentional in our giving to each other with our love and time for Your glory. Amen.